Slum by the Sea?

[barmcake]

Unlike a lot of seaside towns, Hastings has several beautiful parks, a castle, plus all the history that goes with it and the light seems more spectacular than anywhere else I'v been.
The shops are varied and good and I like the mix of creative trendies, hoodies, normal workers and the granny squad (of which I'm a member). The people in Hastings are very down to earth and friendly.
When I said I was moving to Hastings several people ooop north said don't do it because it's full of yobs. Yes, I've come across a few, but on the whole I love it here and hope to stay.
Have just seen 3 large helpings of dog poo unfortunately - nowhere's perfect!
Maybe someone could make dog nappies compulsory!

[charlie_bloom]

Hi, my dad used to own Warrior Pharmacy off Warrior Square and Bohemia Pharmacy, Bohemia Road_ _ _this was about ten years ago, before alot of regeneration work had started_ _ _myself and my brother were kids, under 12 and we would wander around the sea front, Warrior Gardens and Square and down the town and back and never had any problems_ _ _as a Pharmacist my dad really saw the under belly and had his daily Methodone run opening time each morning, but strangely enough_ _ _the addicts would get their stuff, wolf it down outside the shop, then move on_ _ _my dad never had any problems with letting me and my brother wander around the area unaccompanied_ _ _we had great childhood, even if we did see people drinking methodone and passing out outside shop_ _ _they were always very polite to dad and his staff and respectfull of his shops_ _ _I also lived for time in a bedsit off warrior Square, whenh I decided to run away from home at 16 ( I lasted 8 weeks)_ _ _but not because it was an awfull place_ _ _but because I was spoilt and wanted my free home comforts back_ _ _and this was 14yrs ago_ _ _so I'm sure that things have got much better in the area since then and back then it wasn't that bad really_ _ _C

[Jaques]

_ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ _slum? It may have been a bit run down years ago, but now - look at the newly transformed property along the front, the many wonderful parks, the events taking place - the numerous beaches in the hastings/st leonards area are wonderful, if you walk along there are quiet places away from the amusements, if you want a quiet picnic or to read a book. No wonder people are selling up in brighton and moving here - its so much cheaper and though brighton's great for a day out or weekend, its soooooooo noisy and dirty - give me hastings any time - but do give us back our pier! (please)

[Sharon]

I think it may have been a slum by the sea once, but certainly not now. Since moving here in 2007 I have really noticed the difference in the way of the regeneration of the area. The parks have always been beautiful but London road in St Leonards and Kings Road were awful. Now they look great and can only get better

It really is a nice place to live. I have never seen a drug addict either, although lots of older drunk men that have obviously got a drink problem :whistle: But saying that they are always friendly and most of them seem happy enough. They don't ever cause any problems, or not that I have ever seen anyway.

[luna_saphire]

As a new arrival in Hastings, I would just like to counteract some of the negativity that has crept into the Forum. Nowhere is perfect, and yes, I'm sure most would agree that Hastings could do with a little more regeneration money pumped into it, (and a big dose of TLC from the Council), but on the whole it has agreat deal going for it. Being an ex-Londoner (like so many others who have moved down here), I was drawn to Hastings, not just by the sea and the beach, but people seem really friendly, pace of life is more human (than the City), independent shops on your door, you can walk virtually everywhere, attractive (sensible) house prices and the town really feels like it is on the way up. It feels like there is positive change in the air, a town with huge potential and people that really want to see things happen. Now, lets move forward together and help create a town with a real sense of purpose!

[MarineCourtGirl]

I wholly disagree. I am a new arrival at Marine Court and commute to London every day and walk through London Road to and from the train station at all times of the day and night. Nobody has ever bothered me and I find people to be pleasant and friendly. I consider the negative comment to be destructive and short sighted on the part of those who would hold that view.

[JamesT]

[quoted]
Peggy wrote:
I have recently moved to St. Leonards, and was horrified to read that some people had named it "The slum by the Sea" Is it really as bad as they say? I haven't been out and about much here yet, but I want to get out and meet people, but am I missing something? I like it where I live. I have a lovely view, and its fairly quiet. Hastings is interesting, and there's always something going on, so at the moment it seems ok. You get good and bad everywhere, and hear people say both good and bad about most places, so is Hastings not just like everywhere else?
[/quoted]
There are always 'Knockers' in this world! They usually have nothing to shout about personally and get their kicks from slagging off others! Ignore them and make your own mind up based on personal experience whether it is about people or places! I love St Leonards and Hastings!

[Lily]

Peggy, Hastings and St. Leonards are just like most places. Some good, some bad. I've found it's mostly the people who have never lived anywhere else who slag it off. Those of us who have lived in a few different places love it here. I'll never live anywhere else again after having been in Hastings!

[thimble]

Hi Peggy it makes me mad when people who have probably never been here call this town bad names.I have lived here for 40 years ,i have never seen trouble.There are areas that i dont go.I was told about cranbrook of some bad areas they all have them.
Its an image in peoples mind and like all bad nicknames they sick if we let them.The tv always seems to focus on the negative ,so the rest of the country gets a bad image.



Were I come from its flat and boring. With our hills the scenery is so fantastic.I wish i could show these people what I see I think they would change their minds.What about Alexander Park what a park ,where is there a park like that?
Standing in the town at night the castle is light up ,how lovely ,the caves to visit,the East Hill to climb the old houses in the old town to be in explored.The West Hill ,to fly a kite to skate board or sit and take the views in.Look up from safeways you will see Emmanuel church all the surrounding houses on the West Hill.
I rest my case the town should be called HISTORY BY THE SEA lets start a new nick name.

[Boudica]

After spending just 4 days in Hastings and the surroundings with my partner.We are seriously thinking of moving here from a bid City in the north of England. If people really think it's rough..and a slum then perhaps they should come to live up here for a bit. There are some places in this city that I would not even think of going even in broad daylight. I absolutely love it here.